Businessman losing millions due to lack of Australian immigration

Visa Bureau is not affiliated with the Australian Government but is an independent UK company. Australian visas are available from the Australian Government at a lower cost or for free when you apply directly. Our comprehensive visa and immigration services include immigration advice from registered migration agents, a 100% success rate, document checking and expedited visa processing.

One businessman said he is losing millions of dollars as he cannot get enough people on an Australian visa to work for him. Terry Brown, who is a live bee exporter, says the restrictions placed on hiring overseas skilled workers are meaning he cannot recruit enough people, reports ABC Rural.

Mr Brown said his problems are not due to a lack of willing workers, as there are many in the northern hemisphere who want employment in the country. He told the news provider: "We have quite a few people I've spoken to who would love to come and work, but unfortunately they just don't fit into the visa requirements. We would love to be able to have access to these people."

The bee exporter added the current skilled worker visa programme for Australia does not meet the demands of his business as it is seasonal. According to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, an apiarist - beekeeper - is registered as a skilled occupation, meaning employers can sponsor a beekeeper on an Australian visa. The number of permits available under the work and holiday visa scheme has been increased to 1,500, and the number of temporary visas granted last year reached 110,570.